A Word on Faith

This journey is intended to be shared with people from all faiths, as well as for those who draw meaning and inspiration from other sources. Some of the religious references (in the book) undoubtedly come from my own religious context. Even then, words like Allah, Lord, and God are used interchangeably, and their different use across religions can sometimes stem more from contemporary translation, then from a theological difference.

I was taught the tenets of my religion when I was growing up, but was not in an overly religious environment, or pressured to pray and study the religion deeper. I always had a sense of belief, but not a full realization of how it could help me practically in my everyday life. In many ways, bipolar disorder pushed me bumpily along the long road of discovering faith experientially, and then with a more academic understanding.

I invite you to witness how faith and its fluctuations have influenced me on my journey through bipolar. During the earlier years it was tested often, and it took time before it fully developed as a guiding force.